Allergic rhinitis: the patient's point of view

230 patients with allergic rhinitis completed a telephone questionnaire in order to assess the repercussions of this disease on their everyday life. This questionnaire comprised three parts: the patient's perception of the disease and its consequences on everyday life; relationship with the physician; management of the disease. Nine out of ten patients reported that their everyday life was affected allergic rhinitis. Apart from the classical symptoms rhinitis, disorders of olfaction are reported by 37% of patients. Non-respiratory signs, such as drowsiness or headache are also frequently reported (57 and 50 % of cases, respectively). 8% of patients have already had time off work for their They usually consult a general practitioner for this disease. However, 19 % of patients have never consulted a physician for their nasal disease. 42 % of patients have made at least one change to their environment, which consisted of moving house in 7% of cases. Finally, 53 % of patients usually take a treatment for rhinitis, with a marked preference for tablets (73% of cases). More than one-half of patients self-adapt their treatment and 40% of them have already changed treatment at least once. This study confirms that the clinical features of allergic rhinitis extend beyond the ENT sphere and is responsible for serious repercussions on the patient's everyday life. Although medical consultation is far from regular, multiple treatments are frequently used. These treatments are fairly frequently modified, probably reflecting a certain degree of dissatisfaction with the management of allergic rhinitis.